Abstract
Objectives: This paper outlines some of the mental health and wellbeing issues identified by a cohort of Maori women interviewed in 1999. It aims to give an overview of concerns identified by these women through the use of themes taken from narratives collected as part of the interview process.
Methods: A total of 27 Maori women were interviewed in 1999 using an open-structured interview and diagnostic questionnaires (the Diagnostic Interview for Genetic Studies [DIGS] and the Hamilton Depression Scale [Ham-D]). The narratives gathered during the interview process were transcribed and analyzed for thematic detail. This was then collated with the assistance of a qualitative statistician (MY). The diagnostic interview data were then analyzed using the SPSS for Windows Statistics Program (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). The diagnostic data will not be presented here.
Results: Themes were identified by participants as being important for their mental health and wellbeing. These included whanau/extended family (n = 27, 100%), health professionals attitudes and experiences (n = 22, 81.5%), whanautanga/being with other Maori people (n = 20, 74.1%), relationship difficulties (n = 19, 70.4%), spiritually (n = 18, 66.7%), drug and alcohol abuse/dependence (n = 13, 48.1%, depressive disorders (n = 13, 48.1%), education (n = 12, 44/4%), and violence/physical abuse (n = 11, 40.7%). Other themes included poverty (n = 10, 37.0%), sexual abuse (n = 10, 37.0%), suicide (n = 9, 33.3%), Te Reo/Maori language (n = 8, 29.6%), physical health problems (n = 7, 25.9%), youth issues (n = 7, 25.9%), gambling (n = 6, 22.2%), medications/traditional healing (n = 5, 18.5%) and phobias/panic disorders/OCD (N = 5, 18.5%).
Conclusions: The issues and concerns identified by participants were of a much broader nature than would normally be considered by mainstream mental health services. They highlight the need for culturally sensitive and appropriate services that encompass the issues identified. The is a need to view mental health and well being for Maori people using Maori models of health and well being — the results are discussed in light of these. It is also proposed that a broader framework, encompassing social and emotional wellbeing, be used when dealing with mental health issues for Maori women.